Champions League Semi-final: Chelsea Deal with Diego Costa Linked to Courtois Role

Chelsea are set to allow loanee Thibaut Courtois play against them in the upcoming Champions League semi-final as a result of their recent agreement with Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa, reports in Spain claim.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial recently reported that the striker had already agreed personal terms to move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season - with Chelsea also set to trigger his new £50m release clause to complete the deal.

And El Confidencial now adds that this agreement will also affect Courtois' participation in the Champions League semi-final, as Chelsea are now keen on giving him the green light to play in order to maintain their excellent relationship with Atletico Madrid.

The Blues had inserted a £5m - £2.5m for each leg - clause in the loan deal that saw Courtois move to the Vicente Calderon last summer to allow him be fielded against them but Uefa released a statement dismissing that agreement and saying that the loanee could play without any compensation.

However, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo recently cast in doubt the keeper's eligibility to play saying they did not want to overlook their agreement with Chelsea.

"I don't know how many times I've repeated it. Courtois is Chelsea's player. We're trying to get him on loan for another season. I think he'll end up playing against them, but only if we reach an agreement with Chelsea. We're gentlemen and we observe everything we sign," Cerezo said.

Meanwhile, manager Diego Simeone was confident about featuring Courtois in the crucial tie while fuelling speculation over Costa's move to Chelsea.

"I have no doubt that he will play against Chelsea. He has no doubts either. It's not a concern. He doesn't know where he'll play next year," Simeon said.

And about Diego Costa he said: "It depends on him [Diego Costa] and what he believes is best for his future. I will support any decision."